SPORTS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Winners all round at the annual CUEL Charity Classic Golf Day

PSC golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar

Another Aussie barrage

Laem Chabang ‘winds’ the day

The Chairman’s day

Guy Billings Shoots a Pair of 75s

Claus Birk Rules From Hump Day On

Wighton and Macey’s net 65 is good enough!

PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg

From Hero to Zero in Eight Months

P.K. bowls 691 series and Three Sisters moves back into first

Mickey Mouse Darts League

Draw complete for the annual Pattaya Cup Sepak Takraw championships

Jomtien 8 Ball Pool League

Pattaya 9 Ball Pool League

Wednesday Quiz League

World Class boxing action to hit center ring in Pattaya

The Square Ring

PATTAPA SPORTS ROUND-UP

Winners all round at the annual CUEL Charity Classic Golf Day

A 7:30 a.m. Shotgun start saw the commencement of the 2004 CUEL Charity Classic Golf Day at the well groomed Laem Chabang Country Club & Golf Course of Friday July 30. 152 players scrambled to demonstrate their skills on what proved to be a first class day of golf and general enjoyment. This has become a prestigious and coveted annual event organised by the locally based CUEL Limited, who are leading fabricators of offshore oil and gas platforms in Thailand. As in past years, this very successful charity day was organised by Steve Hovi and Graeme Moore with the support of CUEL’s Senior Production Manager, John Blyton. This year players from USA, Singapore, Indonesia and Australia flew to Thailand especially to join and support the event.

The winning team of Sirima Taveesat, Amporn Tammeesilp, Saisunee Maenchoowong and Narongchai Tantrakul en route to success during CUEL Charity Classic Golf Day held at Laem Chabang.

Whilst the USD 10,000 Hole-in-one prize, again sponsored by leading risk management specialists, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Ltd. was not won this year, the very able team from Bangkok consisting of Narongchai Tantrakul, Amporn Tammeesilp, Saisunee Maenchoowong and Sirima Taveesat, took out the champions prize and were presented with their trophies at the luncheon in the clubhouse following the morning game.

Graeme Moore (left) and John Blyton (right) presented Sister Kalayanee (center left) and Sister Michelle, representing the Good Shepherd Sisters, with a cheque for 350,000 baht for the Fountain of Life, which helps underprivileged children in Pattaya.

The Fountain of Life Center in Pattaya was also a winner on the day, thanks to the support of all of the sponsors. At the luncheon, Graeme Moore spoke briefly about the work of this center and John Blyton presented Sister Michelle and Sister Kalayanee, representing the Good Shepherd Sisters, with a cheque for 350,000 baht towards the wonderful work that this charity performs, working with underprivileged children in the local community.

The drinks and refreshments on the course during the game were as usual provided by Ron Coulson of International Construction Equipment and Camel Bar, Bang Chang fame, as well as that infamous painter, Blondie Robinson of Profound Innovations. Ron’s Bloody Mary’s have become institutional and mandatory at this event. These two icons of the district were ably supported by The Blind Beggar Pub in Jomtien, Dynamic Flowline, Kuriyama Ohji Thailand and R.C. Supply Ltd.

This year’s event was again sponsored by many of CUEL’s important suppliers of materials and services and apart from Jardine

Lloyd Thompson who annually sponsor the so far elusive hole-in-one prize, the major sponsors who contributed towards this years event included such well know names as: Akzo Nobel Coatings Ltd., Brunel Technical Services, Campbell & Associates, Deborah Services Ltd., FMC Energy Systems, GE Supply / Bently Nevada, J. Ray McDermott Asia Pacific, PCH Access Pty. Ltd, PT Petrotech, TIG Trading Ltd, Thai Nondestructive Testing, Unithai Shipyard & Engineering, Unocal Thailand Ltd., Oil States Industrial.

In addition to the major sponsors the Hole Sponsors who contributed this year consisted of: Air Liquide Welding Thailand, Bangkok Freight Forwarders, CR Industrial Services, EK Crane Group, Emerson Process Management, ESAB Asia Pacific, M.J. Bangkok Valve & Fittings, Megatek Industrial Services, Marubeni-Itochu Tubulars, Matco Asia, Mitsui Thailand Ltd., Oakwell Engineering Ltd., Rolls Royce Ltd., Romar Positioning Equipment, Solar Turbines Inc., Thai Leighton Ltd., Tri-Progress Electrument, Van Leeuwen Pipe & Tube Asia, Vetco Aibel, Yokagawa Thailand Ltd.

At the conclusion of the luncheon, Graeme Moore expressed the golf day committee’s thanks to all of the sponsors and participants, following which Steve Hovi presented the runners up and lucky draw prizes in his usual style. Judging from the comments of those present, all in all it was a very successful day.


PSC golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar

Tuesday August 3 Phoenix Stableford

There is always one person in every golfing circle who always just seems to fall short. If he shoots 40 points someone else shoots 41, or he loses on countback. On the course he is usually the one who puts most balls in the water, and at The 60s Bar we all know this man buys his balls by the bucket and regularly loses at least a dozen a round. Indeed the last time we played Phoenix, as we played Mountain Nine, we saw a cart coming towards us and this gentleman said he was having such a bad round he was packing in, selling his clubs and never playing again. Obviously he did play again after a great deal of persuasion.

Bobby says Well Done to Bob.

The day started as normal with Bobby’s free breakfast for the golfers, even if there are those of us who really cannot take solids at this time of the night, hot coffee, and plenty of it always goes down well. Then a nice slow bimble down to the course in fine weather.

Booking in at Phoenix is reasonably simple, and this is indeed a fine clubhouse, so plenty of space in the changing rooms is available. On the day the course was in its usual fine condition and the test for the day was Lake and Ocean. Ocean is my own favourite, whilst I think Mountain is the most difficult, still Lakes has it’s good points.

Technical Winners

18 Holes later we fancied a beer, so sat at the rest stop after M9, as in fact it is cheaper here than at the Clubhouse. This was pretty good as many friends going past stopped and we had a good chat.

Back at the 60’s Bar the results were tabulated, and to the pleasure of most, our own ‘Nearly Man’, Bob Lawrence, finally triumphed and was congratulated by Bobby, whilst we all had a beer or two to say well done. T.T.F.N.

Winner Bob
Lawrence

Near Pins: Andy Evans, Homicide Hank, Ray Spurling, Bob Noble
Long Putts: Joe Patcher, Tim Holt, Wayne Muras, Derek Brook


Another Aussie barrage

PSC Golf from McAlister’s

The McAlister’s regulars were out in full force at Green Valley for the Friday outing on August 6. With guests swelling the numbers to 31, it was the largest group to play so far from this venue.

Aussies Bob Wighton (right) and Dene Mundy (left) celebrate their performance for the day.

Overnight rains did nothing to stop the golfers from turning up and they were greeted with the golf course in excellent condition. Hole 1 took its normal toll on many of the less capable players being unable to clear the hazard. With stableford scoring being the format it was just a matter of marking the zero in the appropriate column and moving on to the next tee box.

The early groups out went off to McAlister’s for refreshments both liquid and solid while waiting for the tail-enders to finish and report their scores. No sign of McAlister that day as he was feeling a little under the weather. Never mind, his trusty cook turned a very fine luncheon spread for all to enjoy.

For a long while it seemed that Dene Mundy was going to get the nod with 35 points, the low score reflecting the wisdom of Green Valley management deciding that the white tees needed a rest so a lot of back tees were in play. The result was more scores in the twenties that thirties. Dene was feeling pretty good about his game having had a poor showing at his last outing with The Three Sisters at Siam.

Eventually Bob Wighton, another Aussie, came in with the same score to pip Dene on count back with a better back nine by one point A win by the Aussies seems, in retrospect, to have been an omen for the result of the Tri Nations RFU match the following day, well done Wallabies!


Laem Chabang ‘winds’ the day

PSC golf from The Bunker

On Tuesday August 3 The Bunker Boys took advantage of Laem Chabang’s Sports Day and played their weekly Medal competition from the blue tees on Courses A & B.

Keith Smithson relaxing in The Bunker Bar after his success at Laem Chabang.

On a very blustery day teeing off into the wind was proving to be very tricky and the scorecards reflected this as no low scores were recorded. Best of the day was Keith Smithson playing off 2 handicap, even he found the going tough returning a score of 74 Net.

Battling his way to second place came the ever-present John Preddy with 78 Net and third place going to Lez Hall with 79 Net.

Surprisingly the wind did not prevent three golfers claiming the Nearest the Pin prizes, these were won by Keith Smithson, Vic Simmons and the rapidly improving Lez Hall.

The Bunker Boys will not admit defeat and promise to return on another day!

Ben - The Eastern Star

Eastern Star Winner, Ben Findon

Thursday the August 5 saw The Boys from The Bunker visit Eastern Star Golf Course to play their regular stableford competition. Playing off the white tees the course was not found to be in the best condition. There was a lot of bare patches on the fairways and too much ‘ground under repair’, which, when added to most golfers’ usual dodgy fairway shots proved too much and the scores reflected this.

The only Bunker Boy to master the conditions was Ben Findon who stormed home with 40 stableford points, second prize was won by John Preddy (vying with George Redgewell for the title ‘Steady Eddy’) with 33 stableford points and third spot going to Colin Wilkes. Nearest the Pins were won by Mick Ramshaw and Lez Hall.


The Chairman’s day

PSC Golf from The Three Sisters

Tuesday August 3 saw The Three Sisters golfers going around at Siam Country Club for a change of day due to the public holiday on the previous day. Since other regular groupings were out on the same day we saw a diminished crowd compared to the usual Monday gang. Only 15 players fronted up to play the course in, what has to said to have been a very fine cool day enhanced by the overnight rains. Even after a full night of rain the watering experts were much in evidence all over the course.

Winner Dennis Willet (right) with the bag holder Dene Mundy.

After the scores we have been seeing in recent weeks the day’s results seem to be on the tame side. The winner for the day with an excellent even par 36 on the back nine was former PSC golf chairman Dennis Willett.

In second with a mere 37 points having thrown it away on the back nine came last season’s PSC golf chairman Gerry Carpenter. The big surprise for all was the man left holding the bag with, what must be his worst score for years, Dene Mundy. Dene is sufficiently embarrassed with the result that we will not shame him by noting his score. Surely there are better prospects in store for Dene!


Guy Billings Shoots a Pair of 75s

IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven

Wednesday Aug 4
Bangphra
Stableford

1st Peter Emslie, 45
2nd Guy Billings, 40
3rd Trevor Edge, 38 c/b 19
4th Fred Ewins, 38 c/b 14

After not playing a competition on Monday, which was a bank holiday, the Haven Golfers had obviously spent some time on the range. Scores were unusually good on a course where the greens were showing some signs of recovery from the sanding and coring. ‘Slammer’ returned to his youth when he was a 9 handicap golfer in Scotland and played to it once again, destroying the field with a magnificent 81 off the stick. Guy, once again on the podium, had to settle for silver with his superb 75 gross netting him 40 points off his 7 handicap, to beat off a strong challenge by Trevor & Fred. Trevor shot an even 19 points on both 9s whereas Fred was left wondering what went wrong on the back 9 after a firing 24 points on the front. Perhaps it was the monkeys which appear to be getting more daring and aggressive! Poor Trevor Schirmer lost his lunch again on his second consecutive outing to Bangphra and Major Roy had his buggy ransacked by a particularly nasty snarling monkey who ran up a tree with a pouch of tobacco and urinated on his caddie!

The 2s pool was shared by Andy Pedlar & Tony Quaid on what was an eventful day. Prior to the prize giving, Richard Livingston, the resident PGA professional, welcomed back Tony Quaid.

Friday Aug 6
Burapa C & D
Bogey

1st Guy Billings, 4Up c/b 2Up
2nd Dave Lee, 4Up c/b A/S
3rd Bob Lindborg, 1Up

Clearly there had been very heavy overnight rain and the old ‘West’ course was playing long off the blue tees, yet despite the difficulty, scores were surprisingly good with Guy finally winning his first Knotted Putter trophy with a superb display of golf to finish 4up off his 7 handicap. After shooting a pair of gross 75s in the week he is sure to see a reduction in his handicap for future competitions. Dave had another solid round, but just like his old mate, Fred on Weds, he must be wondering how he could only finish A/S on the back 9 after such a good front. Bob completed the podium positions but John Desmond & Major Roy were hard on his heels, both finishing ‘All Square’ on a difficult day, with the wind gusting it was perhaps not surprising that there were no 2s, so it is rollover time at Khao Kheow on Monday.

Prior to the prize giving, Richard Livingston, welcomed Keith Avery, Ken McCarthy & Vincent Smyth and bade a sad farewell to Yasuo Suzuki before giving a huge welcome back to our host Stephen Beard who came home from hospital in time to attend the presentation. Everybody present was delighted to see Stephen back again and Khun Lumyai laid on some impromptu snacks for the occasion.


Claus Birk Rules From Hump Day On

IPGC Golf From Lewiinksi’s

Sunday August 1
Green Valley - White Tees
Stableford

1st A Flight: Clive Bruce, 40 pts
2nd A Flight: John Emmerson, 40 pts
3rd A Flight: Doug Williams, 39 pts
1st B Flight: Jim Munns, 39 pts
2nd B Flight: Peter Hall, 38 pts
3rd B Flight: Larry Nicholas, 37 pts
1st C Flight: Frank Pilkington, 42 pts
2nd C Flight: P.J. Redmond, 40 pts
3rd C Flight: Spot the Dog, 38 pts
Near Pins: #5 Julian Clarke; #8 Rick Sharp

A good-sized turnout saw eleven prizes handed out via three places in three flights and two near pins. Who said it is Low Season? Frankie ‘The Pilk’ Pilkington led Sunday’s mob with a fantastic C Flight winning and best on the day 42 points and continued his warning to the Society that he has his sights set on the August 8th Monthly Medal. P.J. Redmond, who is dropping by with a little more frequency, much to everyone’s enjoyment, was close behind Frank with 40 points. It is tough to take second with a total like that, but P.J. needs look no further than A Flight’s John Emmerson for someone to commiserate with. Spot The Dog snuck in with an even to course rating 38 points. Incidentally, STD is the all time low scorer in Monthly Medal history at 62!

Turning to the premier flight, Clive Bruce continued his fine play and won a count back over the aforementioned Golf Manager, with a first place 40 points. It is hard to believe that the first time this scribe played with Clive he was a struggling 24 handicap. How did he become so good (hcp 8), and this scribe so lousy? New friend Doug Williams, a Pattaya resident and long time participant in the growth of golf in Thailand, added another few shekels to his purse while taking bronze in A Flight and lowering his handicap to a miserly one! Condolences to Bill Macey and Guy Billings who were sent to the welfare lines on count back.

The Middling Flight saw the return to podium of Capt. Fogg and his 39 points which was one better than the intrepid Canadian Peter Hall who left his golfing snow shoes behind in the bar. Had his equipment not caught up with him at the course, heaven above only knows how he would have played if forced to wear standard Western-style golf shoes with leather uppers. The irascible Larry Nicholas, all the while whinging aloud and goading everyone within hearing distance, managed 37 points and the third spot on the B Flight dais.

Tuesday August 3
Laem Chabang A & B Blue or White
Stroke/Medal

1st Blue Flight: Eddy Beilby, net 67
2nd Blue Flight: Guy Billings, net 72
3rd Blue Flight: Julian Clarke, net 72
1st White Flight: J.J Wright, net 64
2nd White Flight: Klaus Schiffer, net 68
3rd White Flight: Pete Murray, net 71
Near Pins: #A7 Oddvar Rykke; #B8 Oddvar Rykke

Everyone knows that the biggest benefit of Low Season is the gals actually pay attention to us residents. Running a close second is the opportunity to play Pattaya’s signature course, Jack Nicklaus’ Laem Chabang. Half the gang wanted to turn the reasonably friendly confines into a beast by choosing the Blue Tees and that, therefore, became the Flight demarcation. Eddy Beilby confirmed what the society’s golf administration has been saying and, that is, when we move to the back tees the advantage often swings towards the high handicapper. The analysis being that from the back neither the typically range inhibited high handicapper nor the low handicapper, who now has a demanding approach shot with a long iron, is able to hit the greens in regulation. With that distance advantage neutralized, the determining factor is the additional handicap strokes. Having said congrats to Eddy, it should be noted that two fine players, Guy Billings and Julian Clarke were separated by but a count back for the final spot in the manly Blue Flight.

The man of the match was the irrepressible J.J. hailing from the Sugar Shack who might well have implemented some lessons learned on his recent holiday to Royal Troon for the Open Championship. Whatever the reason, J.J.’s superlative net 64 in the White Flight will surely tidy that handicap that has lagged behind his ability and knowledge of the game. Having a lovely round but feeling quite normal in the shadow of J.J., was Klaus Schiffer, who on any other day would have been the toast of the town with a net 68. Old Man Murray, shakin’ and a’ cussin’, took home the third prize in the senior friendly White Flight.

WednesdayAugust 4
Burapha A & B Blue or White Tees
Stableford

1st Blue Flight: Claus Birk Thomsen, 36 pts
2nd Blue Flight: Eddie Blackwell, 36 pts
3rd Blue Flight: John McHugh, 36 pts
1st White Flight: Apple Jitchana, 37 pts
2nd White Flight: Allen Cole, 35 pts
3rd White Flight: Frank Pilkington, 35 pts
Near Pins: #A6 Eddie Blackwell; #B8 Perry McNeely

When there is adequate interest as there was again on this day, the society splits the field by tee box choice. Burapa is just a bit short from the whites, although there are 4-5 holes which are absolute beasts from the Blues. So the bangers are given their chance to strut off the Blues and those inclined more towards a relaxing day on the links play the Whites. June’s Monthly Medal winner, Claus Birk Thomsen, went out and put it to the long hitters, edging on a three way count back, medium but accurate hitting Eddie Blackwell and booming Johnny McHugely in the Blue Flight. While the seniors, the laidback and the physically limited prepared to face off on the imminently civil White Tees who should bolt through the pack other than the Apple of Eddie Blackwell’s eye who a best on the day 37 points. Who woulda thunk? Allen Cole and Frankie ‘the Pilk’ were able to overcome this assault on the field’s male psyche, and lock up in a count back for the last two places in White, with the former, Allen, prevailing.

Friday August 6
Eastern Star
White Tees
Stableford

1st A Flight: Claus Birk Thomsen, 37 pts
2nd A Flight: Rick Sharp, 36 pts
1st B Flight: Colin Davis, 37 pts
2nd B Flight: Klaus Schiffer, 37 pts
Near Pins: #17 Perry McNeely

Much to the delight of field, Eastern Star is showing signs of getting back to nick after a slight slip in conditioning. It would be a pity to lose this venue again given its proximity, quality and the extraordinary effort expended to sort it out. Our title boy was at it again with a best on the day tying 37 points. The Hermit rounded out A Flight with 36. The Donkey geeked Klaus Schiffer, as only The Donkey can, on count back to sort out B Flight. Perry McNeely continued to show high aptitude on the par threes by winning yet another Near Pin.


Wighton and Macey’s net 65 is good enough!

Mike Franklin

Newcomer Bob Wighton and long time member William Macey, both playing off a 10 handicap, carded a gross 69 in the Shenanigans Pairs Scramble at Eastern Star Country Club & Resort on Tuesday August 3. Their team handicap of 4 resulted in a winning net score of 65. Close behind were Gerry Power and Vincent Smyth playing off 9 and 13 respectively with a team handicap of 4.4. A gross 72 resulted in a net 67.6 to claim the runner-up spot. Scores were generally good on a fine day, mainly overcast with a stiff breeze and just a little rain around mid-day.

The course showed much improvement with evidence of new growth in many of the weeded areas on the fairways. These were generally marked GUR with an additional local rule in force to cover any unmarked situation. All the greens, bar two or three, were back to standard and running around speed 8.

The usual technical prize holes were on offer and Near Pins were claimed by Robert Knutson, visitor Phil Sayers, William Macey, and Banjob Franklin rapturously on the signature hole 13th. William Macey also had a Long Putt and David Johnson sank the other one.

Back at Shenanigans, Chef Sunny produced another excellent 100 baht Tuesday Special in the form of Marinated Beef Steak served with saute potatoes and mixed vegetables. During the prize presentation newcomers Dave Maynard, Bob Philp, Bob Wighton, Ashley Archibald, Mick Leighton and resident Jack Moseley were duly welcomed.

The next Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society tournament is at Plutaluang on Tuesday August 17 for another Pairs Scramble playing the South and East courses. August being a long month provides a third outing on Tuesday, August 31 to return to Eastern Star for a ‘Four Club Pairs Scramble.’

Sign-up, in pairs please, at Shenanigans.


PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg

Tuesday August 3 Laem Chabang Stableford

Yes the day is correct, the organiser, Dave The Pipe, moved the day due to Monday being a Holiday, and this allowed the golfers of the Kronborg to take advantage of the sports day at this fine golf course. The Laem Chabang A & B Layouts were host to a stableford competition, under threatening and cool conditions on a course in very fine condition.

Barry Kerr

First place went to Peter King with 40 points, second place was won on a countback on 35 points with Takeshi Hakozaki second and Rick Evans third. Fourth was decided on countback, with a myriad of people on 34 points, however out of the group came Big Pete Galle to win fourth.

Thursday August 5 Bangpra Stableford

Lately the number of players, normal at this time of the year, has been quite low and has meant a second look at the number of tee times we actually book, however on this day the numbers doubled, once again showing how difficult it is for the organisers to guess the numbers. On this day Bangpra was very good and accepted the extra golfers, but in the ‘High Season’ golfers are advised to put their names down early to allow for negotiations with the course, as many courses are totally booked up.

Pete King

On the day, the groups got away a little early and apart from the five ball in front, that actually moved very well, the players were allowed to move pretty quickly. The course was pretty good but the greens, normally so fast, were in slow mode, obviously the course is trying to get them in prime condition for the high season.

However we still had a great day out with the weather being as good as it can be, with cloud cover and a light wind. Despite this, we only had one person playing under his handicap, and as he seems to be the player of the moment, not surprising. When you have a high handicapper who suddenly starts to improve it is normal for it to take time to catch up with him. Every dog has his day.

Derek Brook

On this day the winner of the B Flight, 18 upwards, was Peter King with 38 points. Peter has done well of late but he is practicing hard to improve and is getting his dues. In second was the ever silent Barry Kerr with 35 points, out of form of late maybe this could herald a return to the winners circle! In third was Evan Trotman with 33 points.

In the A Flight, 0 to 17, we had a very tight battle, only decided by the last put on the last green, allowing Derek Brook to score a birdie and 36 points and beat Mike Gerrard, also 36 points, on countback. Close behind was Thomas Johansson with 35 points. T.T.F.N.

Near Pins: Jeff Wylie, Bob Rasmussen, Derek Brook, Steve Williams.
Long Putts: Rick Evans and Derek Brook.


From Hero to Zero in Eight Months

IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral

On Tuesday August 3, the Bunker Boys left the OK Corral anticipating a fine day’s golf at the Eastern Star Golf Resort at Ban Chang, on the occasion of their weekly medal outing. The day was overcast as the golfers drove off the first tee to find bare, patchy fairways and coarse grit sanded greens. Only eight months before the course had been in pristine condition and was high on the list of everyone’s favourites, but now it had plunged from hero to zero in spectacular fashion.

Bananas for Bill Hewitt

Undeterred, the group battled with the conditions, showing grit of their own, and later had to contend with occasional showers and an increasingly obstinate strong breeze. Continuing on they found good scores hard to make. Such was the challenge that one group comprising of more than 250 years of finely honed athleticism, Bill Hewitt, George Meigh, Len Jones and Barry Pethig, all found water at the par three thirteenth, as did two of the following group as well. Elsewhere on the course Roy Mitchell was overcoming his dislike of the course to attain third place with a fine net 75.

Ahead of him was the astute PJ Redmond and his level par net 72 was beaten only narrowly by the score of his marker, Richard Wardell, who has returned to the Bunker Boys’ fold after many months of golfing tuition. His net 71 was the day’s only sub-par round and was a fine reward for his tenacity. Unsurprisingly there were no birdie two’s but Bill Hewitt played the worst round of his life in the Kingdom and his net 90 earned him the Banana Booby. Maybe it should have been awarded to the ground maintenance supervisor at Eastern Star?

Double for Richard Wardell

The Bunker Boys visited the almost local favourite course, Century Bang Chang, on Thursday August 5, to play their weekly stableford event, under clear skies and with the prospects of a good day ahead of them. The two divisions were cut at seventeen and under and the course was well presented with slightly slower than expected greens. Division one saw an epic struggle for the minor places with a host of players on 34 points. Bob Philp, playing his final round for a while before flying off, jousted with Aussie mate Bob Wighton and Englishman, William Macey, and they were joined by Keith Smithson, who obviously was feeling the after-effects of his gross 76 off the back tees at Treasure Hill, only the day before, dropping three points on the final four holes. Leading the group was the ever-dependable Steve Nowell, firing 36 points. In division two visitor Wayne Muras equipped himself well to take third place with 30 points, a long way behind second placed Brian Bellis, whose level par 36 was one of his best rounds for a while. Tuesday’s winner Richard Wardell completed a fine double with a tremendous score of 40 points, three-putting a host of greens, and he will not have the luxury of a thirty-plus handicap to help him on his next outing. Bob Philp celebrated the day’s only birdie two by ringing the bell at the OK Corral and personable Scot, Angus MacFarlane, ended his current stay with the Bunker Boys with the Banana Booby. It was a fine reward for his rookie golfing exploits which saw him, during his stay, spend 6,000 baht on lessons, and three times that on clubs and repairs. His smile will be missed, and he will be welcomed back any time he returns to Pattaya. It was a fine end to a fine day.


P.K. bowls 691 series and Three Sisters moves back into first

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

This week’s 200 bowlers

Paul (P.K.), Three Sisters, bowled a 691 series with games of 225, 232 and 234, which is the best bowling that has been recorded in the PSC Friday bowling league. Three Sisters took four points from House of the Golden Coin and moved back into first place. La bowled a 520 series and Tien rolled a 201 game, 511 series for Three Sisters. Ken Crow knocked down 503 pins for Golden Coin. Q Cars remained in second place after taking three points from Brother D and knocking them down from first to third. Gert led Q Cars with a 506 pin total and Ooy was best for Brother D as she bowled a 203 game and 536 series. Kran rolled games of 189, 201, 223, 613 series to lead Cafe Kronborg to a four point win over fourth place Cafe Ole. VFW Post 9876 is closing the gap with the league leaders as Bill Key had games of 180, 189 and 209 for a 578 series and Jon added a 214 game, 524-pin count to take all four points from Alt Koelle. Scott led Nam Tip to a three-point win over Jack & Tar with games of 181, 175, 207, 563 series as Mai bowled a 202 game and Morn rolled a 508 series for Jack & Tar.


Mickey Mouse Darts League

Two teams in this week’s league had to rely on the beer leg to take all, Devonshire at Helicopter and Rising Sun at home against PSI.

Second on the ladder, Smugglers had a good evening by taking all the glory at home against Palmers. The top team, Pleasure Dome only managed to win the game away at the Windsor Tavern who sculled the beer leg in the round.

Last week’ results Pleasure Dome won all at PSI, U10s: 5/5.


Draw complete for the annual Pattaya Cup Sepak Takraw championships

Decha Chalermyart

Pattaya city administrators formally announced the competition draw for this year’s annual Pattaya Sepak Takraw championships, to be held during August 13 -15 at Pattaya School No. 7 (Nongpankhae School). Teams will be vying for the Pattaya Cup and cash prizes folwoing the three day competition.

The Thai national Sepak Takraw team were present for the press conference at city hall on Monday.

Wattana Jantaworanont, Pattaya deputy mayor, Niti Kongrut, Tourism Authority of Thailand central region 3 director and Thanes Supornsaharangsri, Pattaya Business and Tourism Association president announced the draw to the media and team representative at a press conference on Monday morning at city hall.

“As Pattaya is a well-known destination in the region the Sepak Takraw championships has already drawn interest in the region and has drawn some strong teams,” said deputy mayor Wattana.

The competition draw was then undertaken as 23 teams, including the national team are due to compete over the weekend at School No. 7.

The winning team will receive 10,000 baht first prize, second place 7,000 baht and third place team takes home 5,000 baht.

Spectators are welcome watch the highflying action at the Nongpankhae School, located on Sukhumvit Road, south of Tesco Lotus, South Pattaya from August 13-15.


Jomtien 8 Ball Pool League


Pattaya 9 Ball Pool League


Wednesday Quiz League


World Class boxing action to hit center ring in Pattaya

Somsak Singhchatchawan to defend his Super Bantamweight title

Somsak Singhchatchawal will defend his Pacific Asian Boxing Association (PABA) Super Bantam weight title against Indonesia’s Simpson Buta Buta in the headline match this Friday at Mini Siam, Sukhumvit Road, August 13.
Doors open at 3.15 p.m.
Main event from 4 p.m.
Also featuring Terdsak ‘See Super Tech Yim’ in a WBO title bout against the Philippines’ Jesar Alcazar.

The two title fights are headlining an evening of Muay Thai and international boxing matches.

Proceeds will be donated for scholarships for children from Pattaya and Banglamung’s 36 schools and promote the anti-drug message to the region’s youth.


The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

I am an avid reader of the Pattaya Mail. It starts my Friday, which means the weekend is here. Last week found the following couple of lines. “some inconsiderate visitors see the resort town as a place where they are free to do as they please and are often imprudent. Some visitors come for a holiday drunk, look for sexual entertainment, and get into trouble.” How true. But if they didn’t you’d have De Moines Iowa and they ain’t actually flocking to that vacation spa.

Yodsanan ‘3 K Battery’ Nanthachai retained his WBA superfeatherweight title, unanimously outpointing Steve Forbes last weekend. Yodsanan trained at the Sityodthong training camp in Banglamung prior to his departure to the United States. (Pattaya Mail file photo)

Last week I wrote, “From the standpoint of professional boxing “If” Yodsanan does what he’s capable of doing it should be a relative easy win.” Boy did he ever. WBA super featherweight champion Yodsanan 3K Battery (44-2) made his US debut successful with an aggressive unanimous decision 117-111 on all cards over former ex-champ Steve Forbes. Forbes had no answer for maybe the best fighter out of the Kingdom in the last 50 years. The not so bright spot was that 3K’s fight was not shown on US TV. The stupid network (Showtime) spend an hour with replays, talk, replays, talk and wasted time doing the previous weeks Tyson fight. Next for 3K? Maybe Diego Corrales (39-2) who followed 3K to center stage at Foxwoods Casino Sunday morning. Corrales chased previously unbeaten Acelino Freitas for 7 round unable to land any effective punches. In the 8th Corrales put Freitas on his backside to turn the match around. In the 9th Corrales again deck the Brazilian. In the 10th when Freitas got up from his third knockdown he did his Roberto Duran, ‘No Mas’. Fight over. All hail the new champ. If 3K doesn’t get Corrales maybe Cassamayor or how about Eric Morales. Let’s get it on.

Since last we spent this quality time together lots of stuff in things boxing to report. Too late for last weeks effort was that Erik Morales outpointed Carlos ‘Famoso’ Hernandez (119-109, 119-109, 115-113) to unify the WBC and IBF super featherweight titles. The judge that saw the fight 115-113 was from the Land of the Falling Yen. Figures. With the win Morales has just about run out of ‘name’ opponents. How about Manny Pacquiao at 130? The same card saw, well the card didn’t see but the fans did, Rafael Marquez (32-3) gets his 29th KO. This one over outgunned Heribereto Ruiz (31-2). The final ‘head’ of this triple-header had WBO light fly champ Ivan Calderon easily beating Roberto Leyva (22-4) 116-112 all around. Guess there was no Japanese judge for this one.

Mike Tyson trying to make a silk purse out of his sow’s ear didn’t do it with his performance against Danny Williams. Williams’ win sent British fans over the moon. Of course it doesn’t take much as remember that the British made Eddie the Eagle a cult figure. The Tyson performance, which wasn’t as bad as it looked, prompted most boxing writers to write off Tyson. “Not so fast!” His out fought Williams in fighting three good rounds with a torn ligament in his knee. Tyson was operated on three days after the fight with a full recovery expected. One take on Tyson’s performance is that his ‘smoking the weed’ has decreased his desire to enter the ring and ‘mash their skulls in.’ Could be. Boxing guy Teddy Atlas, an early Tyson trainer who split after Tyson had made unwanted advances to his niece, said , “Early on he had good skills. Now if he can’t take someone out in the first round or the opponent doesn’t cower Tyson doesn’t know what to do. He never matured in the face of adversity. The Buster Dougles’ fight should have been a wake up call but those around him couldn’t have cared less as long as the money came rolling in.” As we’re always truthful, part of that is Atlas and part Howie Reed. Tyson is still a factor in boxing. Will people pay to see him fight in light of the KO at the hands of Williams? Will you go to The New Las Vegas in Jomtien looking for true love...again....and again and again? Yes! Silly boy. Money and honey rhyme for a reason.

The Olympics is scheduled to open in the next couple of days. It’s the annual flag waving for whatever country one is a fan of. For those in the Land of Smiles high hopes always ride with their Olympic Boxing Team. I did my best to search all the research material available to bring you the latest on this year’s team. Not going to happen. So let’s go back to the 80s and 90s.

The Thai coach then was a gentleman named Joe Clough. If you’re like me you never heard of him. Got an email from Bobby Howard an official with amateur boxing in the USA. “You ever run into Joe Clough? I understand he is/was the Thai Olympic coach. Clough, when at the Tacoma Boy’s Club, trained Sugar Ray Seales, Leo Randolph (who did turn pro and win a title in Seattle, 1980) and many others, including Rocky Lockridge, Johnny Bumpus and two-time Olympian, Davey Armstrong. He also trained Ray’s brother, Dale Grant, who fought Marvin Camel for the Cruiserweight title when it was an infant division.” How about them apples?

Up and coming youngster WBC Youth flyweight title holder, Fahpetchnoi Sor Chitpattana (8-0) stopped Filipino challenger Joel Rodrigo at 2:33 of round 2 last Friday in Pimai, Nakhon Rachasima. The rising Thai boy stalked his foe from the opening round, got three knockdowns in the 2nd and it was “fights over, we go home.” Lest I forget there is a fight today in Pattaya. Yep! WBA#2 Somsak Sithchatchawal (38-1-1, 30 KOs) is suppose to defend his PABA superbantam title against PABA #10 Simson Butar-Butar. This fight will be the 15th title defense for Somsak who had been the WBF champ from 1998-2000. The event starts at 4 p.m. at the Mini Siam complex in Pattaya. Now if you can’t make it in person, turn on the old telly to channel 7 or Sophon Cable at 4 p.m.. Boxing will appear in your very own viewing area. True fact. I no lie you!

Soon to return to the ring wars is the popular ex-champ from the Emerald Isle. That would be the ‘Pocket Rocket’ Wayne McCullough(26-4). The former WBC champ who hails from Belfast but now lives in Las Vegas signed with Goossen Tutor Promotions. Their ties go back to 1993 when Goossen promoted his first USA fight in Reseda California. Welcome back Wayne. Drink to that? You bet!